Seeking More Rigorous Author Guidelines at C&RL

Abstract

In August 2025, we submitted a letter to the editor calling on College & Research Libraries (C&RL) to adopt more rigorous policies for the articles it publishes, particularly literature review articles and theoretical/critical articles; we were then asked to submit it as a guest editorial. The letter was prompted by conversations with our colleagues concerning C&RL’s lack of policies on the types of reviews it will publish and requirements for conducting or reporting guideline use. As evidence synthesis librarians and leaders of the Evidence Synthesis Institute, we have some expertise in standards for rigorous and